On Thursday, Adidas Golf announced that it was entering a multiyear apparel and footwear deal with American pro golfer Dustin Johnson.

While a new deal typically wouldn’t typically signal that something is wrong in the world of golf, however, this is another example of Adidas moving away from the equipment business.

In May, Adidas announced it was planning to sell its golf equipment brands TaylorMade, Adams, and Ashworth.

“TaylorMade is a very viable business. However, we decides that now is the time to focus even more on our core strength in the athletic footwear and apparel market,” CEO Herbet Hainer said in a release at the time.

As noted by ESPN sports-business writer Darren Rovell on Twitter, Adidas’ new strategy is just another sign of difficulties in the golf equipment business, as retailers ditch clubs and balls in favor of shoes and shirts.

In August, Nike announced it would transition out of selling golf clubs, balls, and bags, while continuing to sell golf footwear and apparel. And, as Under Armour has moved into the golf business, it has stayed clear of clubs, focusing exclusively on apparel and shoes.

The golf industry has struggled to attract younger players in recent years.

“From the golf industry statistics, we know that rounds are down. We know that millennials are not picking up the game, and boomers are aging out. The game is in decline,” said Matt Powell of industry research firm NPD.

With most golf equipment sales stemming from older, long-time golfers, it makes sense for companies to focus on apparel, not clubs, balls, and bags that are durable. Established golfers tend to have loyalties to bag brands, and are unlikely to be won over by newer companies relying on trendy marketing and super-star names.

Meanwhile, an Adidas,Nike, or Under Armour shirt or hat is unlikely to be seen as a make-or-break part of a golfer’s game. Plus, even if golf is failing to attract new players buying their first sets of clubs, even veteran golfers need to buy new shoes at some point.

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Following a “strategic review” of its golf business, Adidas said it would “actively seek a buyer” for some of its top equipment brands, including TaylorMade, Adams and Ashworth.

The firm said it would focus on selling golf shoes and clothing through its Adidas Golf brand.

“Now is the time to focus even more on our core strength in the athletic footwear and apparel market,” said Herbert Hainer, the firm’s chief executive.

The golf business has proved to be an Achilles heel for the firm with sales plunging amid a sharp decline in the Russian market.

Due to the subsidiary’s poor performance, Adidas was twice forced to downgrade its annual forecasts in 2014,spoiling any boost from the Football World Cup in Brazil.

Despite restructuring efforts, the golf business saw sales decline by 1.7% in the first quarter – to €275 million ($316 million).

With the sale of the golf division, the firm appears to be concentrating on its core brands of Adidas and fitness specialists Reebok.

At the same time, Hainer confirmed “record” results in the first quarter, with a 59% rise in net profit to €351 million.

Hainer said he was “particularly please” with the performance in the United States where sales rose by 22% when currency fluctuations were taken into account.

Adidas is traditionally the world’s number two in terms of sports equipment, behind Nike, but has seem the gap with its rival widening recently.

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